Aryna Sabalenka Advances to Australian Open Fourth Round
Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka overcame several bouts of inconsistent play on Friday to beat Anastasia Potapova 7-6 (4), 7-6 (7) and advance to the fourth round at the Australian Open. Sabalenka, chasing her third Australian Open title in four years, led 6-5 and 40-0 in the opening set but Potapova saved all three set points to send it to a tiebreaker.
Sabalenka held her nerve, leading 3-0 in the tiebreaker before Potapova leveled at 3-3. Sabalenka then held two more set points and clinched the set when she laced a backhand down the line off Potapova’s second serve. According to the Australian Open official website, Sabalenka has been in impressive form, having won the title in 2023 and 2024, and finishing as runner-up a year ago to Madison Keys.
Sabalenka’s Road to Victory
After trailing 4-0 in the second set, Potapova rallied to tie it 4-4 and again force a tiebreaker. Potapova had three set points to win the set in the tiebreaker, but Sabalenka rallied when the pressure was on. “She played incredible tennis,” Sabalenka said of Potapova in her on-court TV interview. “I was always on the back foot. There are days where you just have to fight and… it was such a fight.” As reported by ESPN, Sabalenka has also won the US Open twice, showcasing her expertise and experience on the court.
In other women’s matches, third-seeded Coco Gauff weathered early trouble against fellow American Hailey Baptiste before advancing with a 3-6, 6-0, 6-3 victory. Gauff cut down her unforced errors and did not serve any double-faults in the second set. No. 17 Victoria Mboko defeated 14th-seeded Clara Tauson 7-6 (5), 5-7, 6-3. The Associated Press contributed to this report, providing additional context and insights into the tournament.
Expert Analysis and Reactions
According to tennis experts, Sabalenka’s win demonstrates her ability to perform under pressure and overcome adversity. As noted by Tennis.com, Sabalenka’s experience and expertise have been key factors in her success. The article highlights her impressive record at the Australian Open, where she has won two titles and finished as runner-up once. With her victory over Potapova, Sabalenka has solidified her position as a top contender for the title.
The Australian Open continues to showcase the best of women’s tennis, with top players competing for the coveted title. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect to see more intense matches and surprising upsets. For the latest updates, scores, and analysis, visit the Australian Open official website or follow reputable sources like ESPN and Tennis.com.
